The morning wind forever blows, the poem of creation is uninterrupted; but few are the ears that hear it. Olympus is but the outside of the earth everywhere. The only effectual cure for such inveteracies as these tails exhibit is to make glue of them, which I believe is what is usually done with them, and then they will stay put and stick. There is, moreover, a kind of waste in the very soil that cannot be measured nor turned to account. Its true office is to illustrate the marvels of our making. The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive. The world is a canvas to our imagination.
-Henry David Thoreau, Walden
Let's delve into the fascinating world of images and their profound impact on how we perceive and engage with the world around us. We're talking about those mental snapshots that shape our understanding and evoke a myriad of emotions and energies within us.
Now, when we talk about images, it's essential to distinguish between different types. There are those 'narrative' images, part of a dynamic story or journey, constantly evolving and moving towards a resolution. On the other hand, we have 'poetic' or 'iconic' images – timeless, not bound by narrative constraints, but rather existing in a realm of their own, inviting us to ponder their significance beyond linear progression.
What's truly intriguing is the relationship we have with these images. They have this uncanny ability to stir up emotions, memories, and energies within us, almost like opening a door to a hidden world of feelings and insights. It's about being attuned to the nuances of these images, understanding the depths they can reach within our psyche.
Now, let's talk about love – a theme that transcends time and space, manifesting in various forms and expressions. Images have this incredible power to capture and convey different facets of love, whether it's the tender embrace of a parent, the passionate intensity of romantic love, or the profound connection we feel towards nature and the cosmos.
But here's the thing – when we engage with these images, it's essential not to reduce them to mere symbols or explanations based on our personal histories. We're invited to approach them with a sense of curiosity and openness, allowing for a bit of mystery and infinite depth to permeate our understanding.
Read/Listen
Listen
Meditation Practice
Embrace the richness and complexity of images, allowing them to expand my capacity for empathy, connection, and wonder.
As you journey into this stage, your mind progressively grows calmer. This tranquility is not merely superficial or temporary, but rather a profound, enduring calm that permeates your entire being. As this calm deepens, it paves the way for a profound purification process. This purification is not solely physical or superficial; it is a deep cleansing that reaches into the very core of your being, ridding you of emotional, mental, and spiritual impurities. This experience is transformative and leads to a profound sense of peace and well-being.
-Henry Corbin, Mundus Imaginalis or the Imaginary and the Imaginal
https://www.amiscorbin.com/en/bibliography/mundus-imaginalis-or-the-imaginary-and-the-imaginal/
